Page:Bedford-Jones--Boy Scouts of the Air at Cape Peril.djvu/178

 to strain and stir his chair a few inches and thus create the mysterious sound that the Tarheel had heard.

"This is Turner," called out the rescuer in a low tone, "Is the man who did this upstairs?" he took time to ask as he advanced.

The head shook a feeble negative.

Flashing his light, Turner's first act was to survey every nook and corner of the room, moving with swift steps. Then he rushed to the head of the stairway, gave a shrill whistle, and lighted the way for the plucky Jimmy as the lad bounded up the stairs.

"Hold the light," he commanded. "It's Cap'n Buffum knotted up. Here—here."

The lad took in the situation at a glance.

Instantly the man set nimbly to work to release the captive. He snatched the handkerchief from the eyes that stared out in a mute and pathetic gratitude. Then he succeeded in extracting the gag.

"The light! My light! Bill Perkins!" were the words that came feebly from the throat. Then the eyes closed; the lips and face blanched; the old man had fainted.